December 03, 2020
Te Tau Ihu sounding board for protected species app
The Department of Conservation is asking marine recreational fishers in the Marlborough Sounds to anonymously report accidental capture or interaction with marine protected species.
It’s part of an initiative in which it is working with hapū and iwi, fishers, community groups, councils, research and conservation organisations, and Fisheries New Zealand to reduce accidental catch and increase awareness of protected species such as dolphins and seals, seabirds, and sharks.
Fishers in the sounds can report through a ‘Protected Species Catch’ app, speak to DOC staff at a boat ramp, or dial 0800 REK FISH to report any interactions.
Every year almost half a million recreational fishers harvest nearly 11 million fish and shellfish in New Zealand waters, but DOC very little data on what impact this has on marine protected species, including marine mammals, fish, seabirds, reptiles, and corals.
Building on the work in the Marlborough Sounds, DOC plans to develop a national reporting programme in 2021.
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